Still Lazing Around in Darwin

We're about half way through our stay in Darwin, and have to confess that it has been a very lazy time, tourist wise. Having done most of the sights when we were here 2 years ago, we've spent most of the time this visit so far just playing golf. We have, however, taken the opportunity of the extended stay to have some maintenance done on both people and equipment - doctor and dentist visits for both of us, new tyres on the van, servicing and some replacement parts on both our golf buggies. After more than 2 years on the road we also have finally got a sign on the back of the van with our names on, now if anyone wants to contact us on the road on UHF they'll know who they are talking to.


Almost our only tourist visit so far has been to Berry Springs, about 60km south of Darwin. The naturally warm pools looked quite inviting, but although we had taken our bathers we couldn't quite be bothered to change into them, instead we attended an interesting talk from the park ranger who explained the geology and history of the springs and the national park. We had found out about the talk in a brochure from the national parks service, and have several other talks at various parks in the area earmarked in the diary. Last week we headed off to another talk, but when we arrived at the park found it was closed as the access road was being resealed. A ranger was stationed at the gate to let people like us know that the talk had been cancelled, and collect our email address so he can let us know when it might be rescheduled. Luckily this park was in Darwin itself, only a few minutes from our caravan park, if it had been the one at Berry Springs we wouldn't have been happy at wasting a 40 minute trip. We have registered to attend a 'turtle hatching' - turtles lay their eggs on Darwin beaches and when they start to hatch the rangers get some people to help ensure that the little turtle babies make it into the sea safely. We don't have high hopes that we'll actually get called to a hatching, when we registered we were told there were still people on the list from last year!